ADOT advances plans for Ivanhoe St. interchange on South Mountain Freeway

PHOENIX – Following an extensive environmental study and evaluation, the Arizona Department of Transportation is moving forward with plans to add a Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway interchange at Ivanhoe Street, providing improved access to and from the Gila River Indian Community west of the freeway.

In addition, a design modification developed in coordination with those living east of the freeway alignment will provide access to the Dusty Lane community via an underpass at Ray Road, about a third of a mile northwest of Ivanhoe Street. The Ray Road crossing will be accessible from 51st Avenue and Dusty Lane after a new access road is constructed.

The planned configuration, with on- and off-ramps serving areas west of the freeway, responds to requests from members of the Dusty Lane community that an Ivanhoe Street interchange not provide direct access to the east. It also will provide additional freeway access for residents of the Gila River Indian Community while reducing traffic passing through the local roadway network.

Connect 202 Partners, the developer of the South Mountain Freeway, will construct the connecting ramps at Ivanhoe Street. The interchange is anticipated to open following the completion of the South Mountain Freeway, which is slated to open as early late 2019.

ADOT, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and the Maricopa Association of Governments, the regional planning agency, initiated an environmental study in spring 2018 after receiving public, local and regional stakeholder input to consider adding an Ivanhoe Street interchange. The interchange, located between Laveen and Ahwatukee in the Center Segment, will enhance regional connectivity and provide additional relief for roadways in the south Phoenix area.

In May, ADOT held a public meeting to collect feedback on the proposed interchange. The evaluation, including a record of public comments, is available at azdot.gov/IvanhoeStreetStudy.

Funding for the Ivanhoe Street interchange will come from Maricopa Association of Governments regional transportation funds and from right-of-way savings achieved through the public-private partnership finalized in February 2016 with Connect 202 Partners. The developer was tasked with developing innovative approaches for construction and engineering, including reducing the amount of property that must be acquired for the freeway.

Last month, ADOT announced plans to add a South Mountain Freeway interchange at 32nd Street following another environmental study stemming from stakeholder input. These additional interchanges will bring the total to 15 along the 22-mile South Mountain Freeway.

The South Mountain Freeway will provide a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley and a much-needed alternative to Interstate 10 through downtown Phoenix. Approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985 and again in 2004 as part of a comprehensive regional transportation plan, the South Mountain Freeway will complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system in the Valley.

For more information, visit SouthMountainFreeway.com.